Structural, Morphological and Raman Studies of CdS/CdSe Sensitized TiO2 Nanocrystalline Thin Films for Quantum Dot Sensitized Solar Cell Applications

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 421-431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leda G. Bousiakou ◽  
Mile Ivanda ◽  
Lara Mikac ◽  
Dimitris Raptis ◽  
Marijan Gotic ◽  
...  

Background: It is well known that quantum dot-sensitized solar cells based on nanostructured semiconductor films are considered as a promising alternative to silicon-based solar cells. The aim of this paper is to investigate the structural and morphological properties of CdS/CdSe quantum dot sensitized photoanodes based on nanocrystalline TiO2 thin films considering their performance can reach an efficiency of 2.7%. Methods: TiO2 thin films were prepared on fluorine tin oxide (FTO) glass via the chemical route using commercial Degussa 25 and crystallized at 550°C. Furthermore, a layer of CdS and CdSe nanoparticles was deposited on the titania film by a sequence of successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) and chemical bath deposition (CBD) methods. After preparation, samples were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and Raman spectroscopy for their structural properties and composition. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate their surface morphology, while energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) was used to analyze the sample stoichiometry. Results: The structural properties and morphology of quantum dot sensitized photoanodes revealed that the titania thin films were highly crystalline belonging predominantly in the tetragonalanatase structure, while the CdS/CdS quantum dots were in the cubic phase. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) along with energy dispersive X-Ray mapping EDS showed little contamination. Conclusions: Combined analysis suggests that our preparation route leads to highly crystalline, stoichiometric photoanodes. This plays an important role in the performance of the quantum dot sensitized solar cells.

2011 ◽  
Vol 183-185 ◽  
pp. 1837-1841
Author(s):  
Lei Sha ◽  
Yan Lai Wang ◽  
Shi Liang Ban

CuInSe2 thin films were obtained by selenization of the Cu-In precursors in the atmosphere of Se vapour, which were prepared on stainless steel and titanium substrates by electrodeposition. The films were characterized by XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The respective influences of composition, phases and surface morphology of Cu-In precursors on indium loss were investigated. The results indicate that the indium loss occurs in selenization process because of volatile In2Se arising. The indium loss is less in selenization process of Cu-In precursors contained CuIn, Cu2In and In phases.


2007 ◽  
Vol 546-549 ◽  
pp. 1699-1702
Author(s):  
Xi Ying Zhou ◽  
Liang He ◽  
Yan Hui Liu

Al-Cu-Fe quasicrystals powder was used to prepare the thin films on the surface of the A3 steel by the means of DMD-450 vacuum evaporation equipment. The thin films with different characterization were obtained through different parameters. The microstructures of the thin films were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). Additionally, the nano-hardness and the modulus of the films are tested by MTS and Neophot micro-hardness meter. The results showed that the modulus of the films was about 160GPa. Nano hardness of the films was about 7.5 Gpa. The films consisted of CuAl2, AlCu3. The thickness and the micro-hardness of the films are improved. In same way, with the increase of the electric current, the thickness and the hardness of the films are also improved. Along with increase of the time and the electric current, the wear behavior of the films was improved. To some extent, the microstructure of films contained the quasicrystal phase of Al65Cu20Fe15.


1990 ◽  
Vol 04 (05) ◽  
pp. 369-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Z. ZHANG ◽  
L. LI ◽  
Y. Y. ZHAO ◽  
B. R. ZHAO ◽  
Y. G. WANG ◽  
...  

A planar dc magnetron sputtering device was used to prepare high T c and high J c YBCO thin films. Both single crystal and polycrystal thin films were successfully grown on (100) oriented LaAlO 3 substrates. Zero resistance temperature T c0 = 92.3 K and critical current density J c (0) = 3.82 × 106 A/cm 2 at 77 K was obtained. The films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).


2015 ◽  
Vol 1088 ◽  
pp. 81-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
T.N. Myasoedova ◽  
Victor V. Petrov ◽  
Nina K. Plugotarenko ◽  
Dmitriy V. Sergeenko ◽  
Galina Yalovega ◽  
...  

Thin SiO2ZrO2films were prepared, up to 0.2 μm thick, by means of the sol–gel technology and characterized by a Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. It is shown the presence of monoclinic, cubic and tetragonal phases of ZrO2in the SiO2matrix. The crystallites sizes depend on the annealing temperature of the film and amount to 35 and 56 nm for the films annealed at 773 and 973 K, respectively. The films resistance is rather sensitive to the presence of NO2and O3impurity in air at lower operating temperatures in the range of 30-60°C.


1990 ◽  
Vol 201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin M. Hubbard ◽  
Nicole Bordes ◽  
Michael Nastasi ◽  
Joseph R. Tesmer

AbstractWe have investigated the fabrication of thin-film superconductors by Cu-ion implantation into initially Cu-deficient Y(BaF2)Cu thin films. The precursor films were co-evaporated on SrTiO3 substrates, and subsequently implanted to various doses with 400 keV 63Cu2+. Implantations were preformed at both LN2 temperature and at 380°C. The films were post-annealed in oxygen, and characterized as a function of dose by four-point probe analysis, X-ray diffraction, ion-beam backscattering and channeling, and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that a significant improvement in film quality could be achieved by heating the films to 380°C during the implantation. The best films became fully superconducting at 60–70 K, and exhibited good metallic R vs. T. behavior in the normal state.


1998 ◽  
Vol 541 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shunxi Wang ◽  
Qingxin Su ◽  
Marc A. Robert ◽  
Thomas A. Rabson

AbstractA low temperature metal-organic decomposition process for depositing LiNbO3 thin films on diamond/Si(100) substrates is reported. X-ray diffraction studies show that the films are highly textured polycrystalline LiNbO3 with a (012) orientation. Scanning electron microscopy analyses reveal that the LiNbO3 thin films have dense, smooth surface without cracks and pores, and adhere very well to the diamond substrates. The grain size in the LiNbO3 thin films is in the range of ∼0.2-0.5 μm. The effect of the processing procedures on the surface morphology of the LiNbO3 films is investigated. Possible reasons for the elimination of microcracks in the LiNbO3 films are discussed.


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